Boston Marathon Roll Call: Brandon Talisesky

If you pay attention to race report (other than just to see your own name) you’ve noticed a new name in 2017 NYRR races: Brandon Talisesky. While he may be new to us this Front Runner is no stranger to the marathon, having run them in college and his first Boston in 2012 before he was of legal age to enjoy the Samuel Adams Boston 26.2 Brew at the finish! See what brings him back to Boston for the first time in 6 years and how he thinks he’ll do.

How many times have you run Boston? One Time.

What was your first year running Boston? 2012

What was your first experience like? PR? PW? Did you BQ at Boston or did it humble you and inspire you to seek out revenge? Ran it in 2012 as a sophomore in college where the heat was high 80s / low 90s through-out the course. Ran a PW.

Brandon running the 90-degree Boston Marathon in 2012 setting a PW but creating memories to last a lifetime! Many thanks to Marathonfoto for never deleting these.

Why do you keep coming back? Is there something special about the race that keeps you coming for more, or are you just a serial marathoner? After my Achilles injury sidelined me for over 1.5 years, it was a goal to BQ and seek some revenge to prove I could still run.

Returning to the marathon after an Achilles injury, Brandon ran his first sub-3:00 marathon in New Jersey in 2017

Is your preparation for the 2018 race different than previous Boston Marathons? Overall how would you rate your training? Was there a single workout or tuneup race where you thought, “Bring on Boston!” or conversely, “Oh my god I’m not ready for this!” Yeah - This is the most I've ever prepared for any race in terms of distance, time, or mileage. Just about 70 miles per week. I would say PR-ing by 4 minutes in the NYC Half was a confidence boost for sure.

What are you looking forward to the most about the race? Redemption and hopefully setting a PR.

What are you dreading the most about the race? Running a dumb race.

Is this going to be a PR attempt? Yes.

What’s your strategy for April 16? Easy First Six Miles. Get into Groove until Newton / Heart Break Hills. Relax. Then last 5-6 push it in (if anything left).

I double dare you: predict your time! Hopefully sub 2:50

What words of advice do you have for first-time Boston runners? Don't go out too fast.

In two weeks time you will cross the finish line and think, “NEVER AGAIN!” Be honest — will you run this race again? I will do it again. 100%.

Which course is harder and why: New York or Boston? I've only run each one once but based on my experience, Boston for the rolling hills. NYC seemed flat.

What’s the first beer you’ll have after the race? Boston 26.2 Brew

I apologize for ripping this off from the NBR blog, but in your head what celebrity do you think you resemble most when you’re running? Hmmm - People say I look like one of the Property Brothers. Brent Radeke says Orlando Bloom. Or Waluigi. So one of them? [Ed: Waluigi. Definitely Waluigi]